Anthony Famiglietti Opens Up In New Interview

"Fam" represented the U.S. in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Photo: www.photorun.net

The two-time U.S. Olympian in the steeplechase considers himself to be a man of the people.

Long Island native Anthony Famiglietti has never been one to hold back how he feels. The 35-year-old five-time U.S. champion in distances ranging from the 3,000m steeplechase to the 15K recently sat down with journalist Duncan Larkin to talk about what he’s been up to since not qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team in 2012.

Apparently, “Fam,” who started his own Reckless Running brand, is not racing in USATF events and is instead focusing his attention on smaller races where he says he likes to mingle with the crowd.

“I pick races that are family-oriented so that my wife can go, my baby can go, and my nephew can go,” he says. “I spend time before the event and after the event. It’s a good way for Reckless Running to continue to connect with the community and with consumers across the U.S.”

Fam, who owns PRs ranging from 3:55.71 in the mile to 27:37 for 10,000 meters, also dishes on the state of the sport in the U.S. in terms of doping. One of the highlights of his career is a 13th-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

“If you have money, you can get away with anything,” he contends. “I’ve seen and heard things where it’s pretty clear that someone is cheating.”